The Scent Signature, Summer 2013

"I present myself to you in a form suitable to the relationship I wish to achieve with you." -Luigi PirandelloI've taken a cue from my mom (who never steers me wrong), and I've developed a fascination for "signature" things and the philosophy behind "declaring" them. As I begin to meditate on and considerably pare down my wardrobe (all in pursuit of the "quality > quantity" equation, as I mentioned in this post) in order to to keep it in harmony with the lifestyle I lead, I've become obsessed with zeroing in on my "signature." Signature scents, signature looks, signature nail polish, signature lipstick... all of it draws me in: it's about figuring out how I see myself and what I need to do to help others see me that way, too. What's more, I can't help but feel inspired by the deliberate and focused discipline of having a signature and sticking to it, an approach I revere in my various style icons (Mom included.)

So with all that in mind, my hunt for the scent I could wear religiously, every day, all summer was fruitful:

2. Opium Vapeurs de Parfum. A spicy oriental white floral... I think. It's sweet, spicy, warm, and fresh all at the same time. To me, as a scent, it's a bit of an enigma, so it puzzles me and fascinates me as any good mystery should. Nonetheless, it's freshness makes it right for the summer, and its underlying warm citrusy spiciness makes it right for me. Notes: (top) mandarin, pink pepper; (middle) orange blossom, Sambac jasmine; (base) incense, nutmeg, amber, vanilla, light woods